Akron Doctor Leads National Charge for Gender Parity in Medicine

AKRON, OH - Tuesday, March 29, 2022 – Victoria DiGennaro, D.O., family physician at Pioneer Physicians Network in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, has been chosen to head the agilon health Female Physician Leadership Council, an organization of women who are “breaking the glass ceiling” for female physicians nationwide. agilon health, a company that empowers physicians to transform community health, created the council to celebrate and honor women doctors across the U.S. -- while raising awareness about the specific challenges they face in the healthcare system.

One of the challenges female physicians may deal with is inequity. Research shows that females in healthcare are paid less and underrepresented in leadership roles as compared to their male counterparts. A new report published in Health Affairs finds that there’s a 25% lifetime pay gap between male and female physicians in the U.S., which adds up to a difference of slightly more than $2 million over a 40-year practice. Females also represent only three percent of healthcare CMOs, six percent of department chairs and nine percent of division chiefs according to the American Medical Association.

Ironically, studies reported in peer-reviewed medical journals, such as Lancet and JAMA, reveal that female physicians deliver better patient outcomes, including lower readmission and mortality rates.

The council’s collective goal is to foster collaboration of women physicians and male physician allies across a broad network of more than 1,600 PCPs nationwide. Dr. DiGennaro is joining forces with other healthcare leaders nationwide to address gaps and challenges currently impacting female physicians and explore opportunities for improvement.

“It is an honor to be a part of this prestigious national group of motivated and driven female healthcare professionals who are paving the way so that all females in healthcare positions can continue to excel,” says DiGennaro. I believe our efforts will call attention to the inequity issues that women in healthcare face -- issues that have long been overlooked.”

About agilon health

agilon health is the trusted partner empowering physicians to transform community health. Through our partnerships and purpose-built platform, agilon is accelerating at scale how physician groups transition to a value-based, Total Care Model. agilon provides the technology, people, capital, and process and access to a peer network that allow physician groups to maintain their independence and focus on the entire health of their most vulnerable patients. Together, agilon and its physician partners are creating the healthcare system we need – one built on the value of care, not the volume of fees. The result: healthier communities, and empowered doctors. agilon is the trusted partner in 17 diverse communities and is here to help more of our nation’s best physician groups and health systems have a sustained, thriving future. For more information go to www.agilonhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.